A MOWER

Abstract: A mower (1) comprises a pair of elongated mower units (9 and 10) which are pivotally connected about a vertical main pivot axis (15). The mower units (9 and 10) are pivotally carried on respective carrier arms (18 and 19) about vertical secondary pivot axes (20). The carrier arms are in turn pivotally carried on a mounting framework (16) which is mounted on a tractor (2). A pair of main rams (24) connected between the mower units (9 and 10) and suspension housings (80) which are rigidly carried on the respective carriers arms (18 and 19) pivot the mower units (9 and 10) about the secondary pivot axes (22) relative to the carrier arms (18 and 19) for pivoting the mower units (9 and 10) from an aligned operating position extending transversely of a centre line (8) of the mover (1) to a transporting position with the two mower units (9 and 10) side by side and parallel to the centre line (8).

Description: "A mower" The present invention relates to a mower, and in particular though not limited, to a conditioner disc mower for mounting on a land vehicle, such as, for example, a relatively large tractor, forage harvester or the like for cutting grass, silage and the like. The invention also relates to a land vehicle or a tractor with the mower mounted thereon. Such mowers are well known, in general, they comprise an elongated mower unit, which comprises an elongated mower bar carrying a plurality of rotatably mounted cutter discs which are rotatable about respective substantially vertical rotational axes spaced apart along the mower bar. The cutter discs, in general, carry two cutting blades at respective diametrically opposed locations. Such mower units may vary in length from two meters up to four meters. Relatively short mower units of two meters length are suitable for mounting on the rear of a tractor to the three point linkage mounting, and, in general, are driven by the power-take- off shaft of the tractor. Larger mower units up to four meters in length, in general, are mounted to the rear of relatively large tractors or other suitable land vehicles, and are driven by the power-take-off shaft of the tractor or land vehicle. The maximum width of a track which can be cut on a single pass of the tractor or land vehicle is limited by the effective cutting length of the mower. This, in general, corresponds to the length of the mower bar. Needless to say, the wider the track which can be cut on each pass, the more efficient is the cutting operation, and also the quicker a given area can be cut. One restriction on the length the mower bar is imposed by the fact that the tractor or land vehicle should be capable of being driven along a road with the mower mounted thereon. To facilitate driving of the tractor or land vehicle along the road, it is known to mount such mower units to be movable relative to the tractor from an operating position whereby the mower bar may extend substantially transversely of the direction of motion of the tractor to a transporting position in which the mower bar may extend vertically upwardly, or horizontally but substantially parallel to the direction of motion of the tractor. In this way, when the mower unit is in the transporting position, the overall combined width of the tractor and mower unit, in general, is not much greater than the width of the tractor or land vehicle. However, the length of the mower bar of such mowers is restricted by virtue of the fact that if the overall combined length of the tractor and mower unit when the mower unit is in the transporting position is too great, the manoeuvrability of the tractor will be considerably restricted. It will not, in general, be possible to manoeuvre the tractor around the type of road bends which would normally be encountered by a tractor, or manoeuvre the tractor into a field. Additionally, where the mower bar extends vertically upwardly in the transporting position, serious problems arise if the length of the mower unit is relatively long in that the overall height of the combined tractor and mower unit in the transporting position could be such as to interfere with overhead cables, power lines and the like, or become impaled on a bridge extending over a roadway. It is known to provide two mower units on a tractor to increase the width of the track which may be cut on each pass of the tractor. Typically, one mower unit is mounted to the front of the tractor and one to the rear. However, in general, the mounting arrangements of such mower units has been unsatisfactory, in that a narrow track extending parallel to the direction of motion of the tractor remains uncut in the middle of the cut track, in other words, between the mower units. Alternatively, to avoid leaving an uncut narrow track in the cut track, it is necessary to arrange the mower units so that the respective mower bars overlap. This, needless to say, reduces the width of the track which may be cut. Additionally, where one mower unit is mounted to the front of the tractor and one to the rear, such arrangements, in general, are unsuitable for driving along a road without removing at least one of the mower units from the tractor. In general, if the mower units lie parallel to the direction of motion of the tractor in the transporting position, the overall combined length of the tractor and mower units in the transporting position is such as to impair the manoeuvrability of the tractor. There is therefore a need for a mower which overcomes these problems. In particular, there is a need for a mower which is suitable for mounting on a tractor or other land vehicle, and which is capable of cutting a relatively wide track of grass or other fodder material in a single pass of the tractor or land vehicle, and which when in a transporting position does not unduly restrict or impair the manoeuvrability of the tractor or land vehicle. The present invention is directed towards providing such a mower, and the invention is also directed towards providing a land vehicle comprising the mower. According to the invention, there is provided a mower for attaching to a land vehicle, the mower comprising a pair of elongated mower units pivotally connected together about a substantially vertically extending main pivot axis adjacent their respective adjacent ends, the mower units being pivotal from a transporting position with the two mower units extending side by side and substantially parallel to each other to an operating position with the two mower units end to end substantially longitudinally aligned with each other and in registration with each other for cutting a track of width corresponding substantially to the combined effective cutting lengths of the respective mower units, a mounting means for mounting the mower to the land vehicle with the mower units in the operating position extending transversely of the direction of motion of the land vehicle, and in the transporting position parallel to the direction of motion of the land vehicle, a pair of carrier means for carrying the respective mower units, the carrier means being connected to the mounting means and being movable towards and away from each other, the carrier means being pivotally connected to their corresponding mower units about substantially vertically extending respective secondary pivot axes, the secondary pivot axes being spaced apart from the main pivot axis so that on relative movement of the secondary pivot axes about the main pivot axis the mower units pivot between the transporting and operating positions. Preferably, the secondary pivot axes are spaced apart from the mounting means, and preferably, each carrier means is pivotally connected to the mounting means about substantially vertically extending mounting pivot axes. Advantageously, the mounting pivot axes of the respective carrier means are spaced apart from each other. Ideally, the mounting pivot axes are disposed on respective opposite sides of a main longitudinally extending horizontal centre line of the mower which extends in a direction parallel to the direction of motion of the land vehicle. Preferably, the respective secondary pivot axes are located on opposite sides of the main longitudinal centre line equi-distant from the main longitudinal centre line. Ideally, the main pivot axis intersects the main longitudinal centre line of the mower. Preferably, each secondary pivot axis is located intermediate the ends of the corresponding mower unit, and ideally, each secondary pivot axis is located halfway between the ends of its corresponding mower unit. In general, the distance between each secondary pivot axis and its corresponding mounting pivot axis is just greater than the length of the corresponding mower unit between the corresponding secondary pivot axis and the free end of the mower unit. Ideally, the mower units are of similar length. In one aspect of the invention a drive means is provided for pivoting the mower units between the operating and transporting positions, and preferably, the drive means pivots the mower units relative to the corresponding carrier means about the secondary pivot axes, for in turn relatively pivoting the secondary pivot axes about the main pivot axis. Advantageously, the drive means comprises a pair of rams. Ideally, the rams are operably connected between the respective corresponding mower units and the carrier arms. It is preferable that a constraining means is provided for constraining the mower units to pivot simultaneously about the main pivot axis so that the secondary pivot axes are always equi¬ distant from the main longitudinal centre line. Preferably, the constraining means comprises a bell crank member pivotally carried intermediate its ends on the mounting means, a pair of link members extending from respective ends of the bell crank member to the respective carrier means. In one aspect of the invention the mounting means comprises a mounting framework, and preferably, each carrier means comprises an elongated carrier arm. Preferably, the carrier arms extend from the mounting means substantially parallel to each other when the mower units are in the operating position, and the carrier arms extend from the mounting means in respective directions converging towards each other when the mower units are in the transporting position, and preferably, the carrier arms are parallel to the main longitudinal centre line in the operating position. In one aspect of the invention each mower unit comprises a mower bar which carries a plurality of rotatably mounted cutting discs, the cutting discs being rotatable about respective spaced apart rotational axes. Preferably, the adjacent cutting discs of the respective mower bars are arranged in registration with each other. Ideally, the rotational axes of the respective cutting discs of the mower units lie on a common horizontally extending mower unit centre line which extends transversely of the main longitudinal centre line when the mower units are in the operating position. Preferably, the main pivot axis is spaced apart from the mower unit centre line and is located intermediate the mower unit centre line and the mounting means when the mower units are in the operating position to avoid adjacent cutting discs of the respective mower units interfering with each other during pivoting of the mower units about the main pivot axis. In one aspect of the invention a pair of drive transmission means are provided for transmitting drive from a power-take-off shaft of the land vehicle to the respective mower units, each drive transmission means comprising a drive shaft rotatable in the corresponding carrier means and the mower unit, each drive shaft defining a rotational axis which coincides with the corresponding secondary pivot axis. Preferably, each drive shaft extends between a respective pair of gear boxes, one gear box being located on the corresponding carrier means, and the other gear box being located on the corresponding mower unit. Ideally, the respective drive shafts rotate in opposite directions. In another aspect of the invention the respective mower units are tiltably mounted to their respective corresponding carrier means, and are tiltable about a substantially horizontally extending tilt axis for varying the angle of attack of each mower unit relative to the horizontal. Preferably, the tilt axis of each of the mower units coincide with each other when the mower units are in the operating position. In a preferred aspect of the invention a delivery means is located behind each mower unit relative to the direction of motion of the mower for directing material cut by the respective mower units towards the main longitudinal centre line of the mower. Advantageously, each delivery means is connected to its corresponding mower unit and is pivotal from an operating position extending generally rearwardly of the corresponding mower unit to a transporting position lying adjacent the corresponding mower unit for permitting pivoting of the mower units into the transporting position. Preferably, the respective delivery means lie between the mower units when the mower units are in the transporting position. Advantageously, each delivery means comprises a delivery conveyor extending from the free end of the corresponding mower unit towards the main pivot axis. It is preferable that each delivery means is pivotally connected to its corresponding mower unit, and is pivotal from the operating position extending at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal to the transporting position extending substantially vertically. In one aspect of the invention each delivery means is a belt conveyor, the working face of each belt conveyor moving in a direction from the free end of the corresponding mower unit towards the main pivot axis. Preferably, each delivery means is located intermediate its corresponding mower unit and the mounting means. Ideally, a drive means is provided for driving each delivery means. Ideally, the mower units are pivotal relative to each other about a substantially horizontal swivel axis which extends parallel to the main longitudinal centre line so that when the mower units are in the operating position they may pivot relative to each other for accommodating unevenness of the ground. Additionally the invention provides a land vehicle comprising a mower according to the invention mounted thereon. The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that the mower comprises a pair of mower units which are pivotal from a transporting to an operating position, mower units with relatively long mower bars can be used. Because of this in the operating position of the mower, a relatively wide track can be cut on a single path of the land vehicle. Since in the transporting position the mower units lie side by side, manoeuvrability of the combined land vehicle and mower unit is not unduly impaired. When the mower units are of equal length, the overall length of the mower unit in the transporting position is approximately the length of one of the mower units, on the other hand, when the mower units are in the operating position the overall length of the two mower units combined is equal to the sum of the lengths of the mower units. Accordingly, the width of the track which can be cut with the mower units in the operating position is equal to the sum of the effective cutting lengths of the two mower units. Furthermore, by virtue of the fact that the two mower units lie side by side parallel to each other in the transporting position, the overall width of the mower unit in the direction of motion of the land vehicle when in transporting position is relatively narrow, and in general, approximately similar to the overall width of the land vehicle itself. Thus, manoeuvrability of the tractor is not impaired during transportation of the mower unit. By virtue of the fact that a drive transmission means is provided for driving the mower units from the power-take-off shaft of the land vehicle, and furthermore, by virtue of the fact that the drive transmission means comprises a pair of drive shafts which are rotatable about respective rotational axes which coincide with the secondary pivot axes, a particularly convenient arrangement of mower is provided. In particular, it is not necessary to disconnect the drive to the mower units as the mower units are being pivoted between the operating and transporting position. This is a considerable advantage in that once the mower has been driven to the area where it is to be used, the mower units can be immediately pivoted into the operating position and cutting can immediately commence. By virtue of the fact that the mower units are in registration when in the operating position, the entire width of the track is cut, and there is no danger of a narrow strip of uncut material being left in the middle of the track. Pivotally connecting the mower units to the carrier means half way between the ends of the mower units minimises the overall length of the mower when the mower units are in the transporting position. The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a block representational plan view of a mower according to the invention illustrated mounted on the front of a tractor, Fig. 2 is a block representational plan view of the mower of Fig. 1 in a different position, Fig. 3 is a block representational side elevational view of the mower of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a block representational end elevational view of the mower of Fig. 1 in the position of Fig. 2, Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the mower of Fig. 1 illustrated mounted on the front of a land vehicle, Fig. 6 is a front elevational view of the mower of Fig. 1- Fig. 7 is a plan view of the mower of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a plan view of the mower of Fig. 1 in a different position, Fig. 9 is a plan view of the mower of Fig. 1 in an intermediate position between the positions illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, Fig. 10 is a sectional side elevational view of the mower of Fig. 1 showing the left hand half of the mower, Fig. 11 is a partly diagrammatic side elevational view of the mower of Fig. 1 with one portion of the mower illustrated on an enlarged scale, and other portions of the mower not illustrated, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a detail of the mower of Fig. 1, Fig. 13 is a sectional elevational view of portion of the detail of Figs. 12, Fig. 14 is a sectional front end elevational view of a further detail of the mower of Fig. 1, Fig. 15 is a sectional side elevational view of the detail of Fig. 14, Fig. 16 is a plan view of a portion of the detail of Fig. 14, Fig. 17 is a block representational front end elevational view of portion of the mower of Fig. 1 in one orientation, Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 of the portion of the mower in a different orientation, Fig. 19 is a perspective view of portion of a mower according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 20 is a block representational side elevational view of a mower according to the invention incorporating the portion of the mower illustrated in Fig. 19, Fig. 21 is a block representational front elevational view of a portion of a mower according to another embodiment of the invention in one position, and Fig. 22 is a view similar to Fig. 21 of the portion of Fig. 21 in a different position. Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 18, there is illustrated a mower according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, which is illustrated mounted on a land vehicle, namely, a relatively large tractor 2. The tractor 2 in this case is a forage harvester, and comprises a cab 3 within which the driver sits when driving the tractor 2 in a forward direction in the direction of the arrow A. A pair of power-take- off shafts 4 are provided at the front 6 of the tractor 2, and are disposed equi-spaced on opposite sides of a longitudinally extending horizontal centre line 7 of the tractor 2 which extends parallel to the direction of motion A of the tractor 2, see Fig. 5. The mower 1 as will be described below is powered by the power-take-off shafts 6 of the tractor 2. Before describing the mower 1 in detail, the operating principle of the mower 1 will first be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, which illustrate the main elements of the mower 1 in block representation. The mower 1 defines a main longitudinally extending horizontal centre line 8 which coincides with the longitudinal centre line 7 of the tractor 2. The mower 1 comprises a pair of mower units 9 and 10, each of which comprises a mower bar 11 which rotatably carries a plurality of cutter discs 48, 49 and 50 for cutting the track of grass or the like, see Figs. 5 to 12. The mower units 9 and 10 are pivotally connected together about a substantially vertically extending main pivot axis 15 which intersects the main longitudinal centre line 8 of the mower 1. A mounting means comprising a mounting framework 16 mounts the mower 1 to the tractor 2, and is connected to a front lift mounting mechanism 17 on the front 6 of the tractor 2 for raising and lowering the mower 1. Such front lift mechanisms will be well known to those skilled in the art. A pair of carrier means, namely, carrier arms 18 and 19 extend from the mounting framework 16 for carrying the mower units 9 and 10, respectively. The carrier arms 18 and 19 are pivotally connected to the mounting framework 16 about respective mounting pivot axes 20 which are spaced apart from each other, and equi-spaced on each side of the main longitudinal centre line 8. The mounting pivot axes 20 extend substantially vertically, and accordingly, are parallel to the main pivot axis 15. Each carrier arm 18 and 19 rigidly carries a suspension housing 80 adjacent the end thereof, and the mower units 9 and 10 are suspended from the respective carrier arms 18 and 19 by the suspension housing 80. The mower units 9 and 10 are also pivotally connected to the suspension housings 80 about secondary pivot axes 22 which are located substantially halfway between the respective ends of the mower units 9 and 10. Accordingly, the mower units 9 and 10 are pivotal relative to the carrier arms 18 and 19 about the secondary pivot axes 22. The secondary pivot axes 22 extend substantially vertically and are substantially parallel to the main pivot axis 15. A drive means comprising a pair of hydraulically powered double acting main drive rams 24 are provided for pivoting the mower units 9 and 10 about the secondary pivot axes 22 relative to the carrier arms 18 and 19, respectively, for, in turn, pivoting the mower units 9 and 10 about the main pivot axis 15 between an operating position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 with the two mower units 9 and 10 aligned with each other and extending transversely of the main longitudinal centre line 8 for cutting a relatively wide track to a transporting position illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4 for transportation of the mower unit by road. In the transporting position the two mower units 9 and 10 lie side by side substantially parallel to each other, and parallel to and equi- spaced from the main longitudinal centre line 8 and, in turn, parallel to the general direction of motion of the tractor 1. The main drive rams 24 are pivotally connected to and between the respective mower units 9 and 10 and the corresponding suspension housings 80 at 13 and 14, respectively, so that on extension of the main drive rams 24 the mower units 9 and 10 pivot about the corresponding secondary pivot axes 22 relative to the carrier arms 18 and 19 and are thus urged into the operating position. On contraction of the main drive rams 24, the mower units 9 and 10 are urged into the transporting position. A constraining means comprising a bell crank 25 and associated link members 12 and 28 is provided for constraining the mower units 9 and 10 to pivot simultaneously about the main pivot axis 15 and together relative to the main longitudinal centre line 8 between the operating and transporting positions so that the secondary pivot axes 22 are equi-distant from the main longitudinal centre line 8 for all positions of the mower units 9 and 10. The bell crank 25 is pivotally carried on a pivot pin 26, which is carried on a mounting bracket 27, which, in turn, extends rigidly from the mounting framework 16. One end of the link member 12 is pivotally connected to one free end of the bell crank 25, and to the carrier arm 19. The link member 28 is pivotally connected to the other free end of the bell crank 25 and to the carrier arm 18. Accordingly, on extension of the drive rams 24 the mower units 9 and 10 pivot into the operating position and the carrier arms 18 and 19 are urged outwardly to lie substantially parallel to the main longitudinal centre line 8, and thus, the mower units 9 and 10 in the aligned operating position extend transversely of the main longitudinal centre line 8. And on contraction of the drive rams 24, the mower units 9 and 10 pivot into the transporting position and the carrier arms 18 and 19 are urged towards each other, so that the mower units 9 and 10 in the transporting position lie side by side adjacent each other parallel to the main longitudinal centre line 8 and equi-distant therefrom. During pivoting of the mower units 9 and 10 between the operating and transporting positions, the secondary pivot axes 22 effectively pivot about the main pivot axis 15. A delivery means for delivering the grass cut by the mower units 9 and 10 towards the main longitudinal centre line 8 to form a longitudinally extending relatively narrow sward of cut grass extending along the main longitudinal centre line 8 of the mower 1, which lies within the wheel base of the tractor 2 comprises a pair of delivery belt conveyors 30 which are mounted to the rear of the respective mower units 9 and 10. Each belt conveyor 30 extends from the free end of its corresponding mower unit 9 or 10 towards the longitudinal centre line 8 but stops short thereof. The belt conveyors 30 are pivotally connected along a side edge 31 to the corresponding mower units 9 and 10 and are pivotal about a horizontal pivot axis 23 from an operating position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3 whereby the belt conveyors 30 extend at substantially 45° to the horizontal and lie between the mower units 9 and 10 and the mounting framework 16 to a transporting position with the belt conveyors 30 extending substantially vertically as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4 between the two mower units 9 and 10. A pair of hydraulic rams 21, see Fig. 11, connected between the belt conveyors 30 and the corresponding mower units 9 and 10 pivot the belt conveyors 30 between the operating and transporting positions. A pair of hydraulic motors (not shown) are provided for driving the respective belt conveyors 30. Referring now to Figs. 5 to 18 the mower 1 will now be described in detail. The mounting framework 16 is constructed of box section steel and extends transversely of the main longitudinal centre line 8. The mounting framework 16 is connected to the lifting mechanism 17 by a pair of pivot mountings 32 which are located at spaced apart intervals at the lower end of the mounting framework 16 equi-spaced on either side of the main longitudinal centre line 8. A pair of tilting rams 33, one of which is illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 extend between the lifting mechanism 17 and the upper portion of the mounting framework 16 for tilting the mower 1, and in turn, tilting the angle of attack of the mower units 9 and 10 to the grass. The tilt rams also raise and lower the mower 1 relative to the ground. The tilt rams 33 are spaced apart and are equi-spaced on each side of the main longitudinal centre line 8. Pivot mounting brackets 29 on the mounting framework 16 engage a piston rod of each tilt ram 33, while a housing of each tilt ram 33 is pivotally carried on the lifting mechanism 17 by pivot mounting brackets 37. Each carrier arm 18 and 19 comprises a main carrier member 34 and a downwardly extending support member 35 which extends downwardly from the carrier member 34 adjacent the corresponding mounting pivot axis 20. A strut 36 extends from the downwardly extending support member 35 to the carrier member 34 intermediate its ends. Four pairs of carrier brackets 38 extending from corners 39 of the mounting framework 16 carry upper and lower pivot pins 40 which define the respective vertical mounting pivot axes 20. Pairs of mounting brackets 42 extending from the respective carrier arms 18 and 19 pivotally engage the pivot pins 40. The distance between the secondary pivot axis 22 on each carrier arm 18 and 19 and the corresponding mounting pivot axis 20 is just sufficient to allow the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10 to pivot into the transporting position with the free end of the mower unit 9 or 10 relatively close to the mounting framework 16 for minimising the overall length of the mower 1 when in the transporting position. Before describing the mounting of the mower units 9 and 10 to the corresponding carrier arms 18 and 19, the mower units 9 and 10 and their connection about the main pivot axis 15 will first be described. The mower units 9 and 10 are identical and of similar length, and each mower unit 9 and 10 comprises a mower framework 44 which comprises an upper support bar 45 and a pair of downwardly extending end members 46 and 47 which carry the mower bar 11. A pair of end cutting discs 48 and 49 are rotatably carried at respective ends of each mower bar 11. Five intermediate cutting discs 50 are located along each mower bar 11 and rotatably mounted thereon. The end and intermediate cutting discs 48, 49 and 50 are rotatable about spaced apart vertical rotational axes which lie on a centre line 51 of the mower units 9 and 10, and when the mower units 9 and 10 are in the operating position the centre lines 51 of the respective mower units 9 and 10 are aligned and extend transversely of the main longitudinal centre line 8 of the mower 1. Each cutting disc 48, 49 and 50 carries a pair of cutting blades 52 at diametrically opposite sides of the cutting discs 48 to 50. The cutting discs 48, 49 and 50 are driven in registration with each other by a gear train (not shown) in each mower bar 11. The construction and operation of such mower bars will be well known to those skilled in the art, and the mower bars will not be further described here. The mower units 9 and 10 are arranged so that the cutting blades 52 of the end cutting disc 48 and 49 adjacent the main pivot axis 15 are in registration to avoid any danger of the cutting blades 52 of the respective end cutting discs 48 and 49 interfering with each other, and also, to ensure that no grass along or adjacent the main longitudinal centre line 8 of the mower 1 remains uncut. Pivot mounting brackets 54 and 55 extending rigidly from the mower units 9 and 10, respectively, engage a main pivot pin 57 which defines the main pivot axis 15 about which the mower units 9 and 10 are pivotal. The pivot mounting brackets 54 and 55 extend rearwardly from the mower units 9 and 10 and are cranked at 59. A pair of arms 60 extend from the pivot mounting bracket 55 through which co-axial bores 61 extend for engaging the main pivot pin 57, see in particular Figs. 12 and 13. The main pivot pin 57 carries a swivel connector portion 62 of partly spherical shape which swivelably engages a corresponding shaped bore 63 in an arm 64 extending from the pivot mounting brackets 54. The swivelable engagement of the arm 64 with the main pivot pin 57 facilitates relative angular movement of the mower units 9 and 10 about a substantially horizontal swivel axis 65, see Figs. 17 and 18, so that any unevenness of the ground is accommodated, and the mower units 9 and 10 follow the contour of the ground. The swivel axis 65, when the mower units 9 and 10 are in the operating position coincides with the main longitudinal centre line 8. The horizontal swivel axis 65, in general, extends perpendicularly to the main pivot axis 15 and intersects the main pivot axis 15. An elongated conditioner rotor 67 is rotatably carried in the mower framework 44 of each mower unit 9 and 10, and extends along the length of the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10 for receiving and conditioning grass cut by the cutting discs 48 to 50, and for directing the grass to an elongated kill plate 68 extending from the mower framework 44, which in turn directs the cut grass to the respective belt conveyors 30. Such conditioner rotors 67 and kill plates 68 will be well known to those skilled in the art and it is not intended to describe them in further detail. The delivery belt conveyors 30 of the mower units 9 and 10 are pivotally connected along their respective side edges 31 to the corresponding mower framework 44 by pairs of pivoting brackets 69 which extend rearwardly from the mower framework 44 and carry axially aligned pivot pins 70. The pivotal mounting of the conveyors is illustrated in Fig. 11 but not in Fig. 10. Corresponding brackets 71 extending from the side edges 31 of the belt conveyors 30 pivotally engage the pivot pins 70. The pivot pins 70 define the horizontal axes 23. A conveyor belt 74 of each belt conveyor 30 is driven so that the working faces 75 of the respective conveyor belts 74 move in a direction towards the main longitudinal centre line 8 for delivering the cut grass received from the conditioner rotor 67 and kill plate 68 towards the main longitudinal centre line 8 of the mower 1 to form the relatively narrow sward of cut grass. The conveyor belt 74 of each belt conveyor 30 extends around end rollers (not shown) one of which is driven by the corresponding hydraulic motor (also not shown). Each belt conveyor 30 is pivotal from the operating position to the transporting position by the corresponding hydraulic ram 21 which operates between a mounting bracket 77 on the mower framework 44 and an arm 78 rigidly extending from the belt conveyor 30. The pivotal mounting of the mower units 9 and 10 to the carrier arms 18 and 19 about the secondary pivot axes 22 will now be described with particular reference to Figs. 5, 6 and 14 to 16. A resilient suspension mounting 81 is located in each support housing 80, and extends downwardly therefrom for carrying a fixed mounting plate 82 which is rigidly mounted to the suspension mounting 81, see Figs. 14 and 15. Such suspension mountings will be well known to those skilled in the art, and the suspension mountings will not be described in further detail. A circular rotatable mounting plate 83 is rotatably carried by the fixed mounting plate 82 and is retained in rotatable relationship with the fixed mounting plate 82 by a circular retaining ring member 84 which is secured to the fixed mounting plate 82 by screws 85. An inwardly extending circular flange 86 extending from the ring member 84 engages a co-operating flange 87 extending around the periphery of the rotatable mounting plate 83 for retaining the rotatable plate 83 in rotatable engagement with the fixed mounting plate 82. The rotatable plate 83 is rotatable about and defines the secondary pivot axis 22. A pair of spaced apart mounting brackets 88 secured to the-rotatable mounting plate 83 pivotally carry the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10. The mounting brackets 88 are arranged on the respective mower units 9 and 10 so that the secondary pivot axes 22 lie approximately half way between the end of the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10. The mounting brackets 88 of each rotational mounting plate 83 carry a pivot shaft 89, which in turn pivotally carries a corresponding pair of spaced apart pivot mounting brackets 90 which are secured to the upper support bar 45 of the mower framework 41 of the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10. The pivot mounting of the mower units 9 and 10 about the corresponding pivot shafts 89 further facilitates in altering the angle of attack of the mower bar 11 to the grass, which in turn, enables the cut height to be varied. A pair of members 91 secured to the upper support member 45 of the mower framework 44 of each mower unit 9 and 10 extend forwardly of the mower framework 44 and pivotally carry a pivot bar 92 having a transverse bore 95. An adjusting screw 94 extending downwardly from the rotatable mounting plate 83 engages the bore 95 for adjusting and retaining each mower unit 9 and 10 at the respective desired angle of attack to the grass about the pivot shaft 89. Nuts 96 on the adjusting screw 94 locate and retain each pivot bar 92 relative to the corresponding adjusting screw 94. Approximately 7%° of pivotal movement about the pivot shaft 89 relative to the fixed and rotatable mounting plates 82 and 83, respectively is provided, thus, enabling the angle of attack of each mower bar 11 to be altered by 7^° to the horizontal relative to the fixed mounting plate 82. Drive transmission means for transmitting drive to the respective mower units 9 and 10 for driving the cutting discs 48 to 50 and the conditioning rotors 67 comprises a pair of gear boxes, namely, an input gear box 97 which are rigidly mounted on the fixed mounting plate 82 and an output gear box 98 which is rigidly mounted on the rotatable mounting plate 83. A transmission drive shaft 99 extends between the gear boxes 97 and 98 through openings 100 and 101 in the fixed mounting plate 82 and the rotatable mounting plate 83, respectively, for transmitting drive from the input gear box 97 to the output gear box 96. The transmission drive shaft 99 defines an axis of rotation which coincides exactly with the secondary pivot axis 22 of the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10 and the corresponding carrier arm 18 or 19. In this way, the mower units 9 and 10 can pivot relative to their corresponding carrier arms 18 and 19 without the need for disconnecting drive to the mower units 9 and 10 from the power-take-off shaft 4 of the tractor 2. Transmission drive shafts 103 transmit drive from the power-take-off shafts 4 to the respective input gear boxes 97 through pairs of hook joints 104. Drive is delivered to the input gear boxes 97 from the drive shafts 103 through input shafts 105. Output drive shafts 107 connected to first output shafts 108 of the output gear boxes 98 transmit drive from the output gear boxes 98 to the mower bars 11 for driving the cutting discs 48 to 50. The transmission of such drive will be well known to those skilled in the art and it is not intended to describe this aspect of the drive transmission further. Output drive shafts 109 transmit drive from second output shafts 110 from the output gear boxes 98 for driving the respective conditioner rotors 67. The transmission of such drive from a gear box to a conditioner rotor of a mower unit will be well known to those skilled in the art, and it is not intended to describe it in further detail here. The main drive rams 24 are pivotally connected to the mower frameworks 44 of the corresponding mower units 9 and 10 at 13. A pivot pin 111 secured to the framework 44 of each mower unit 9 and 10 pivotally engages a housing 112 of the corresponding ram 24. A mounting bracket 114 extends rigidly from each suspension housing 80 and carries a pivot pin 115 at 14 for pivotally engaging a piston rod 116 of the corresponding main drive ram 24. In this embodiment of the invention the mower units 9 and 10 are of similar length, and the overall length of each mower unit 9 and 10 is 3.00 M approximately. Accordingly, the combined overall length of the two mower units 9 and 10 when aligned with each other in the operating position is 6.00 M, approximately. Furthermore, by virtue of the fact that the mower units 9 and 10 are pivotally connected to the carrier arms 18 and 19, respectively, at a position substantially half way between the ends of the mower units 9 and 10, and furthermore, by virtue of the fact that the distance between the corresponding secondary pivot axes 22 and mounting pivot axes 20 is approximately equal to half the length of the mower units 9 and 10, the overall length of the mower 1 when the mower units 9 and 10 are in the transporting position is only slightly greater than the overall length of one or the mower units 9 and 10. Needless to say, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that where the mower units 9 and 10 are of equal length, the overall length of the mower 1 when the mower units 9 and 10 are in the transporting position can be maintained at a length just greater than the length of one of the mower units provided the distance between the respective secondary pivot axes 22 and the free end of the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10 is approximately equal to the distance between the corresponding secondary pivot axes 22 and mounting pivot axes 20. The effective cutting lengths of each mower unit is 2.8 M, and accordingly, when the mower units 9 and 10 are in the aligned operating position the width of the track which is cut in one pass of the land vehicle 2 with the mower 1 in the operating position is 5.55 M. It is envisaged that without unduly impairing the manoeuvrability of a land vehicle with a mower according to the invention mounted thereon, a mower with mower units of equal length of up to 3.50 could be provided. Needless to say, where road conditions are such, a mower with mower units of even greater length may be provided without unduly impairing the manoeuvrability of the land vehicle bearing in mind the conditions within which the land vehicle must operate. In use, the mower 1 is mounted to the tractor 2 by mounting the mounting framework 16 to the lifting mechanism 17 of the tractor 2. The mounting framework 16 is connected to the lifting mechanism 17 by the pivot mountings 32 and engaging the tilting rams 33. The transmission drive shafts 103 are connected to the power-take-off shafts 4 of the tractor 2. The rams 21 and 24 are connected to the hydraulic supply of the tractor 2. Where it is desired to transport the mower 1 on the tractor 2 by road, the mower units 9 and 10 are pivoted into the transporting position. This is achieved as follows. The lifting mechanism 17 is raised for raising the mower 1 and in turn the mower bars 11 above the ground. The hydraulic rams 21 are operated for pivoting the belt conveyors 30 upwardly into the vertical transporting position. The main drive rams 24 are contracted for pivoting the mower units 9 and 10 about the main pivot axis 15 so that the mower units 9 and 10 lie parallel to each other in the transporting position with the belt conveyors 30 located therebetween. When it is desired to cut grass, hay, silage or other forage crops the mower 1 is moved into the operating position. The main drive rams 24 are extended for pivoting the mower units 9 and 10 about the main pivot axis 15 so that the mower units 9 and 10 are aligned with each other in the operating position, and extend transversely of the main longitudinal centre line 8. The belt conveyors 30 are pivoted downwardly by the hydraulic rams 21 to lie in the operating positions extending rearwardly of the mower units 9 and 10 at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal. The mower 1 is then lowered by lowering the lifting mechanism 17 until the mower bars 11 are resting on the ground. The angle of attack of the mower bars 11 relative to the grass to be cut is adjusted by either or both operating the tilt rams 33 and/or the adjusting screws 94 of the respective mower units 9 and 10. Preferably, the angle of attack is adjusted by the adjusting screws 94. Power is then delivered through the transmission drive shafts 103 from the power-take-off shafts 4 though the input and output gear boxes 97 and 98, respectively, and in turn, to the cutting discs 48 to 50 and to the conditioning rotors 67. The tractor 2 is then driven forwardly in the direction of the arrow A for mowing the grass. On uneven ground being encountered, the mower units 9 and 10 pivot relative to each other about the horizontal swivel axis 65 to follow the uneven contour of the ground. Referring now to Figs. 19 and 20, there is illustrated an alternative construction of carrier arm indicated generally by the reference numeral 130 for use in place of the carrier arms 18 and 19 for carrying and mounting the mower units 9 and 10 to the mounting framework 16. The carrier arm 130 comprises an upper carrier frame 131 and a lower 132 which are respectively pivotally connected to the mounting framework 16 and the suspension housings 80 in parallel linkage configuration for facilitating raising and lower of the corresponding suspension housing 80 and the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10. A pair of swivel mountings 135 carried on pairs of mounting brackets 136 which extend from the mounting framework 16 carry the respective upper and lower carrier frames 131 and 132. The swivel mountings 135 define a mounting pivot axis 20 for the carrier arm 130, and also facilitate pivoting of the upper and lower carrier frames 131 and 132 about horizontal pivot axes. Four pivotal mountings 137 pivotally connect the upper and lower carrier frames 131 and 132 to the corresponding suspension housing 80. A ram 138, a housing of which 139 is pivotally connected to the lower carrier frame 132, and a piston rod 140 of which is pivotally connected to the suspension housing 80 raises and lowers the suspension housing 80, and in turn the corresponding mower unit 9 or 10. In practice, a mower according to the invention will be fitted with two carrier arms 130, one for carrying one of the mower units 9 or 10, and the other for carrying the other of the mower units 9 or 10. Other than the carrier arms 130, a mower according to the invention incorporating two carrier arms 130 would be substantially similar to the mower 1. Referring now to Figs. 21 and 22, there is illustrated an alternative pivot connection for pivotally connecting the mower units 9 and 10 about the main pivot axis 15. In this case, the location of the main pivot axis 15 when viewed in plan is substantially similar to the location of the main pivot axis 15 described with reference to the mower 1. However, in this embodiment of the invention, the main pivot pin 57 is replaced by a relatively long main pivot pin 150 which is carried on a pair of arms 151 which correspond to the arms 60 of the mower 1. The arms 151 extend from the mower unit 10, at the top and bottom thereof. An arm 153 extending from the mower unit 9 which corresponds to the arm 54 of the mower 1 pivotally and swivelably engages the main pivot pin 150 and furthermore, the pivotal and swivelable connection of the arm 153 to the main pivot pin 150 accommodates slidable movement of the arm 153 longitudinally along the main pivot pin 150 for accommodating raising and lowering of the mower unit 9 relative to the mower unit 10. In this way, where it is desired to cut a relatively narrow track, the mower unit 9 can be raised so that the mower unit 10 is operational for cutting the track. Any suitable mounting arrangement may be provided for mounting the mower unit 9 on the carrier arm so that the mower unit 9 is raisable and lowerable relative to the mower unit 10. A raising and lower mechanism may be provided in the suspension mounting 81, or alternatively, one or both of the mower units 9 and 10 may be mounted to the mounting framework 16 by the carrier arms 130. In Fig. 21, the mower units 9 and 10 are illustrated in position where both mower units 9 and 10 are operational for cutting a track of width equal to the combined length of the two mower units 9 and 10, while in Fig. 22 the mower unit 9 is illustrated in the raised position and only the mower unit 10 is in position for cutting the track. While the drive means for pivoting the mower units between the operating and transporting position has been described as being provided by a pair of double acting hydraulic rams, any other suitable drive means may be used. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that one hydraulic drive ram may be provided, needless to say, where a ram or rams are provided the rams may be pneumatic rams instead of hydraulic rams. While the constraining means has been described as being provided as a bell crank and link members, any other suitable constraining means for constraining the carrier arms and the mower units to take up the desired operating and transporting positions may be provided. Needless to say, other mower units besides those described may be provided, however, in general, it is envisaged that each mower unit will be relatively long, typically, of length of the order of 2.0 M to 3.5 M. While the mounting means has been described as being a mounting framework and each carrier means has been described as a carrier arm, any other suitable mounting means and carrier means may be provided. Needless to say, other suitable drive transmission means may also be provided. While the delivery means for delivering the grass cut by the mower units towards the main centre line of the mower has been described as comprising two belt conveyors, any other suitable delivery means may be provided, for example, vertically rotating drums or the like. Needless to say, other moving means for pivoting the belt conveyors between the operating position and the transporting position besides hydraulic rams may be provided.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A mower (1) for attaching to a land vehicle (2) characterised in that the mower (1) comprises a pair of elongated mower units (9,10) pivotally connected together about a substantially vertically extending main pivot axis (15) adjacent their respective adjacent ends, the mower units (9,10) being pivotal from a transporting position with the two mower units extending side by side and substantially parallel to each other to an operating position with the two mower units (9,10) end to end substantially longitudinally aligned with each other and in registration with each other for cutting a track of width corresponding substantially to the combined effective cutting lengths of the respective mower units (9,10), a mounting means (16) for mounting the mower (1) to the land vehicle (2) with the mower units (9,10) in the operating position extending transversely of the direction of motion of the land vehicle (2), and in the transporting position parallel to the direction of motion of the land vehicle (2), a pair of carrier means (18,19) for carrying the respective mower units (9,10), the carrier means (18,19) being connected to the mounting means (16) and being movable towards and away from each other, the carrier means (18,19) being pivotally connected to their corresponding mower units (9,10) about substantially vertically extending respective secondary pivot axes (22), the secondary pivot axes (22) being spaced apart from the main pivot axis (15) so that on relative movement of the secondary pivot axes (22) about the main pivot axis (15) the mower units (9,10) pivot between the transporting and operating positions. 2. A mower as claimed in Claim 1 characterised in that the secondary pivot axes (22) are spaced apart from the mounting means (16). 3. A mower as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that each carrier means (18,19) is pivotally connected to the mounting means (16) about substantially vertically extending mounting pivot axes (20) . 4. A mower as claimed in Claim 3 characterised in that the mounting pivot axes (20) of the respective carrier means (18,19) are spaced apart from each other. 5. A mower as claimed in Claim 3 or 4 characterised in that the mounting pivot axes (20) are disposed on respective opposite sides of a main longitudinally extending horizontal centre line (8) of the mower (1) which extends in a direction parallel to the direction of motion of the land vehicle (2). 6. A mower as claimed in Claim 5 characterised in that the respective secondary pivot axes (22) are located on opposite sides of the main longitudinal centre line (8) equi-distant from the main longitudinal centre line (8). 7. A mower as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 characterised in that the main pivot axis (15) intersects the main longitudinal centre line (8) of the mower (1). 8. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each secondary pivot axis (22) is located intermediate the ends of the corresponding mower unit (9,10). 9. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each secondary pivot axis (22) is located halfway between the ends of its corresponding mower unit (9,10). 10. A mower as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 9 characterised in that the distance between each secondary pivot axis (22) and its corresponding mounting pivot axis (20) is just greater than the length of the corresponding mower unit (9,10) between the corresponding secondary pivot axis (22) and the free end of the mower unit (9,10). 11. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the mower units (9,10) are of similar length. 12. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that a drive means (24) is provided for pivoting the mower units (9,10) between the operating and transporting positions. 13. A mower as claimed in Claim 12 characterised in that the drive means (24) pivots the mower units (9,10) relative to the corresponding carrier means (18,19) about the secondary pivot axes (22), for in turn relatively pivoting the secondary pivot axes (22) about the main pivot axis (15). 14. A mower as claimed in Claim 12 or 13 characterised in that the drive means (24) comprises a pair of rams (24). 15. A mower as claimed in Claim 14 characterised in that the rams (24) are operably connected between the respective corresponding mower units (9,10) and the carrier arms (18,19). 16. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that a constraining means (25) is provided for constraining the mower units (9,10) to pivot simultaneously about the main pivot axis (15) so that the secondary pivot axes (22) are always equidistant from the main longitudinal centre line (8). 17. A mower as claimed in Claim 16 characterised in that the constraining means (25) comprises a bell crank member (25) pivotally carried intermediate its ends on the mounting means (16), a pair of link members (12,28) extending from respective ends of the bell crank member (25) to the respective carrier means (18,19). 18. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the mounting means (16) comprises a mounting framework (16). 19. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each carrier means (18,19) comprises an elongated carrier arm (18,19). 20. A mower as claimed in Claim 19 characterised in that the carrier arms (18,19) extend from the mounting means (16) substantially parallel to each other when the mower units (9,10) are in the operating position, and the carrier arms (18,19) extend from the mounting means (16) in respective directions converging towards each other when the mower units (9,10) are in the transporting position. 21. A mower as claimed in Claim 20 characterised in that the carrier arms (18,19) are parallel to the main longitudinal centre line (8) in the operating position. 22. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each mower unit (9,10) comprises a mower bar (11) which carries a plurality of rotatably mounted cutting discs (48,49,50), the cutting discs (48,49,50) being rotatable about respective spaced apart rotational axes. 23. A mower as claimed in Claim 22 characterised in that the adjacent cutting discs (48,49) of the respective mower bars (11) are arranged in registration with each other. 24. A mower as claimed in Claim 22 or 23 characterised in that the rotational axes of the respective cutting discs (48,49,50) of the mower units (9,10) lie on a common horizontally extending mower unit centre line (51) which extends transversely of the main longitudinal centre line (8) when the mower units (9,10) are in the operating position. 25. A mower as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 24 characterised in that the main pivot axis (15) is spaced apart from the mower unit centre line (51) and is located intermediate the mower unit centre line (51) and the mounting means (16) when the mower units (9,10) are in the operating position to avoid adjacent cutting discs (48,49) of the respective mower units (9,10) interfering with each other during pivoting of the mower units (9,10) about the main pivot axis (15). 26. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that a pair of drive transmission means (97,98,99) are provided for transmitting drive from a power-take-off shaft (4) of the land vehicle (2) to the respective mower units (9,10), each drive transmission means (97,98,99) comprising a drive shaft (99) rotatable in the corresponding carrier means (18,19) and the mower unit (9,10), each drive shaft (99) defining a rotational axis which coincides with the corresponding secondary pivot axis (22). 27. A mower as claimed in Claim 26 characterised in that each drive shaft (99) extends between a respective pair of gear boxes (97,98), one gear box (97) being located on the corresponding carrier means (18,19), and the other gear box (98) being located on the corresponding mower unit (9,10). 28. A mower as claimed in Claim 26 or 27 characterised in that the respective drive shafts (99) rotate in opposite directions. 29. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the respective mower units (9,10) are tiltably mounted to their respective corresponding carrier means (18,19), and are tiltable about a substantially horizontally extending tilt axis (89) for varying the angle of attack of each mower unit (9,10) relative to the horizontal. 30. A mower as claimed in Claim 29 characterised in that the tilt axis (89) of each of the mower units (9,10) coincide with each other when the mower units (9,10) are in the operating position. 31. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that a delivery means (30) is located behind each mower unit (9,10) relative to the direction of motion of the mower (1) for directing material cut by the respective mower units (9,10) towards the main longitudinal centre line (8) of the mower (1). 32. A mower as claimed in Claim 31 characterised in that each delivery means (30) is connected to its corresponding mower unit (9,10) and is pivotal from an operating position extending generally rearwardly of the corresponding mower unit (9,10) to a transporting position lying adjacent the corresponding mower unit (9,10) for permitting pivoting of the mower units (9,10) into the transporting position. 33. A mower as claimed in Claim 31 or 32 characterised in that the respective delivery means (30) lie between the mower units (9,10) when the mower units (9,10) are in the transporting position. 34. A mower as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 33 characterised in that each delivery means (30) comprises a delivery conveyor (30) extending from the free end of the corresponding mower unit (9,10) towards the main pivot axis (15). 35. A mower as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 34 characterised in that each delivery means (30) is pivotally connected to its corresponding mower unit (9,10), and is pivotal from the operating position extending at an angle of approximately 45° to the horizontal to the transporting position extending substantially vertically. 36. A mower as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 35 characterised in that each delivery means (30) is a belt conveyor (30), the working face of each belt conveyor (30) moving in a direction from the free end of the corresponding mower unit (9,10) towards the main pivot axis (15). 37. A mower as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 36 characterised in that each delivery means (30) is located intermediate its corresponding mower unit (9,10) and the mounting means (16). 38. A mower as claimed in any of Claims 31 to 37 characterised in that a drive means is provided for driving each delivery means (30). 39. A mower as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the mower units (9,10) are pivotal relative to each other about a substantially horizontal swivel axis (65) which extends parallel to the main longitudinal centre line (8) so that when the mower units (9,10) are in the operating position they may pivot relative to each other for accommodating unevenness of the ground. 40. A land vehicle (2) characterised in that the land vehicle (2) comprises a mower (1) as claimed in any preceding claim mounted thereon.

Inventors: BIBBY JONATHAN GEORGHE PRINGLE, DOHERTY JAMES NOEL MARKBY, BIBBY, JONATHAN, GEORGHE, PRINGLE, DOHERTY, JAMES, NOEL, MARKBY
Applicants: BIBBY JONATHAN GEORGHE PRINGLE, DOHERTY JAMES NOEL MARKBY, HCS IRELAND LTD, BIBBY, JONATHAN, GEORGHE, PRINGLE, DOHERTY, JAMES, NOEL, MARKBY, HCS (IRELAND) LIMITED
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A01D34
IPC codes: A01B73, A01D34